LGBT veterans: support and next steps
Information on restorative measures, support and services for those impacted by the pre-2000 law or ban on LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces.
In recognition of the impact of historic law prohibiting same-sex sexual activity, and the policy prohibiting LGBT Service personnel from serving in HM Armed Forces, the Government has introduced processes to enable those affected to apply for restorative measures.
In 2022, the Government commissioned an independent review to better understand the impacts and implications of the policy that homosexuality was incompatible with life in HM Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000.
The Independent Review was published on 19 July 2023 and the Government published its formal response on 13 December 2023.
On 12 December 2024, the Government announced the extension of certain restorative measures for those who served prior to 1967, whose Service was impacted by former law criminalising same-sex sexual activity:
- qualification of administrative discharge
- restoration of rank
- replacement discharge papers
- publication of former officers’ service details in The Gazette
The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme
On 12 December 2024 the Government announced the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. This will enable those impacted by the Ban while serving between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000 to apply for recognition payments.
Restorative measures for those who served during the Ban (1967 to 2000)
If you or someone you know was impacted by the Ban between 1967 and 2000, you/they may be eligible for restorative measures.
To find out about the non-financial restorative measures available, including eligibility and how to apply, visit Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures.
Restorative measures for those who served before 1967
If you or someone you know served in HM Armed Forces before 1967 and were affected by the criminal law prohibiting same-sex sexual activity in place at the time, you/they may be eligible for restorative measures.
To find out about the non-financial restorative measures available, including eligibility and how to apply, visit Pre-1967 LGBT veterans: apply for restorative measures.
Support for veterans and families
Charities for LGBT veterans – find charities funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
Support for veterans and their families – support for veterans and their families across the UK. This includes help with finance, health, employment, housing, legal and accessing the Veterans’ Gateway helpline.
Pensions, compensation and welfare support – support for veterans and their families with pensions, Veterans Welfare Service, Defence Transition Services and injury/bereavement compensation scheme payments.
NHS England mental health advice and urgent help – Op COURAGE is a mental health and wellbeing service for veterans and their families.
NHS Wales Veteran Therapist (VT) service – mental health and wellbeing services for veterans and their families, which can be accessed through Local Health Boards.
NHS Scotland dedicated health services – health resources and rights for veterans and their families.
Support for veterans and their families in Northern Ireland – a point of contact for all organisations providing services and support for veterans and their families.
Forces Employment Charity – lifelong transition support, providing information on jobs and training opportunities for veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 19 July 2023Last updated 13 December 2024 + show all updates
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Added: link to 'Veterans of the LGBT Ban: Financial Recognition Scheme'.
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Webpage updated with most recent information about restorative measures.
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Removed information about the closed OVA grant scheme competition.
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Added: link to Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
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Added a link to 'Apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card'.
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Added information on a grant scheme launched by the OVA.
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Added: information on planned restorative measures from the LGBT Veterans Independent Review.
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Added resources under 'Veterans support'.
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Added charity details for the Office for Veterans' Affairs.
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First published.